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FUNWORLD COLLECTIONS
Family Entertainment Centers
VOLUME 4: MARKETING
Ronald McDonald poses
for a photo at a Golf and
Games fund-raiser.
See page 24 for story.
FUNWORLD COLLECTIONS
FECs
VOLUME 4: MARKETING
3
Untangling the Web
16
An Internet marketing expert and FEC
marketers discuss the must haves when it
comes to offering a user-friendly web site that
keeps customers coming back.
Originally published in February 2007
5
A Word from Our Sponsors
FECs find building partnerships can increase
revenue and their community profile.
Originally published in November 2008
18
Grand Slam
Seven ways to draw crowds with batting
cages.
How To: Partner with Local
Businesses
Originally published in February 2009
Originally published in September 2007
6
Party Time
20
The Internet presents a new opportunity for
sales at FECs.
Parks and attractions are seeing the value of
capitalizing on blogs, podcasts, and more to
get their message out to their audiences.
Originally published in January 2008
8
Originally published in March 2009
22
Ad Aware
Marketing Magic
Experts and operators offer 10 ways to get
your message to the masses.
FEC operators share their budget-conscious
and creative tips on effective marketing.
Originally published in March 2009
Originally published in March 2008
10
Digital Dollars
24
You’ve Got Mail
Becoming Media Savvy
Some FECs are focusing their marketing
dollars on e-newsletters.
A punchy press release and a polished highresolution photo can go a long way in
garnering attention from the media. See what
other FEC operators are doing and how to do
the same.
Originally published in April 2009
26
Coming Together
FECs can attract new audiences by working
with community groups.
Originally published in April 2008
Originally published in May 2009
12
On Target
Laser tag is heating up at FECs and standalone facilities. FEC operators and suppliers
talk about its appeal for all ages, plus new
trends.
Originally published in July 2008
14
Primetime Online
Experts and operators offer 10 great tips to
make a web site shine.
28
New Frontiers
FECs discuss ways to attract new markets.
Originally published in June 2009
30
The Game Changer
Camp Iliff’s Theresa Iliff offers a new twist—
day care—to the traditional FEC model.
Originally published in July 2009
Originally published in September 2008
The stories contained in this compilation appeared in FUNWORLD magazine from 2007 to 2009.
FEC
Untangling
the Web
by Mike Bederka
Marketers, Internet experts discuss
how a well-planned and user-friendly
web site helps draw more guests
ith a strong online presence, it’s easy to get customers trapped in a web. Take
Sam Westgate, for instance, who relays a quick story demonstrating the
power of Internet marketing.
His daughter and her friends wanted to go to a lake resort for a vacation. After
clicking around the computer for a bit, they made their decision. They picked the
place with the nicest web site, but not necessarily the best resort out there.
“That was their decision-making process,” says Westgate, general manager of the
coin-operated equipment supplier in Carmi, Illinois—the web site was the key.
W
By the same token, many people don’t realize
a guest’s first impression of a family entertainment center will come from the facility’s web site.
If customers find a subpar or hard-to-navigate
site, they may begin to wonder, “How concerned
are you about the lasting impression I’ll get when
I come to your park?” says Westgate, also president/chief executive officer of Advertinet Inc., a
web site and Internet application development
company in Carmi.
a link to a map, pricing, hours, party packages, and
any age, height, or weight requirements.
For additional features, do a quick survey with
staff about the most common questions they are
asked, Westgate says, because that information
Hinkle Family Fun
Center’s web site is
simple enough so
customers with varying
Internet speeds can
access its content.
The Checklist
To make a web site as user-friendly as possible,
experts recommend skipping complicated features and monstrous image files.
“People want to believe that everyone is on
cable or DSL. That’s just not the case,” says
Courtney Bourdas Henn, director of marketing
for Fleming Entertainment Centers in Santa
Clarita, California.
Dial-up users may get frustrated by all the extra
bells and whistles a web site throws in, adds
Colleen J. Wyatt, marketing manager for Hinkle
Family Fun Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico
(www.hinklefamilyfuncenter.com): “If it takes
three hours to load your page, people won’t do it.”
In terms of must-haves, Henn says make sure the
web site has clear, precise navigation and always
includes facility contact information, directions or
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FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 3
FEC
should be added online, too. This frees employees
from answering the basic stuff over the phones,
he says, leaving them to take on other, more
meaningful duties.
A good web site also will give people a reason to
keep coming back, Wyatt says. For example, she
says, consider posting coupons, a calendar of events,
birthday party giveaways, and any current specials.
However, she advises people to update the details
frequently; it can be embarrassing for an FEC operator to still list a coupon that expired 10 months
earlier or a promotion from the summer of 2004.
the more expensive packages at the top of the
page, and guests usually sign up for them without
scrolling any further.
Site Maintenance
Once a facility decides on all the graphics, information, and features it wants to include on the
site, then comes the important decision of who
will design and maintain it.
Some, like Wyatt, opt to do it all in-house; she
believes a marketing person (or an assistant)
should be able to handle the responsibilities.
Wyatt currently uses the Microsoft
FrontPage program, which she finds
easy to work with but limiting in its
capabilities.
Wyatt plans to move on to Adobe
Dreamweaver for web development.
Westgate gives this software the
thumbs-up but acknowledges it comes
with a fairly steep learning curve, and
Centers he doesn’t recommend the program to
operators with only moderate computer skills.
For those without the proper training, he recommends hiring a firm to create a content management system. “The time you spend getting it
just right literally will be weeks or months,” he
says. “A professional will get it done in days.”
With this system, the company designs the site
and gives FEC operators the capability to make
any tweaks themselves.
Because of her many different responsibilities at
Fleming, Henn decided to outsource some of the
FEC’s web duties. She can make any minor changes
to pricing or times in mere seconds; for larger formatting issues, Henn contacts her webmaster.
The price for a content management system
can start at just a few hundred dollars, Westgate
says. “In the grand scheme of things, a web site is
comparable to a Yellow Pages ad in terms of
cost,” he says, but, it will have a far greater reach.
“It’s so economical it’s crazy,” Henn adds.
For a little more money, the system can be set
up to allow managers to collect e-mail addresses
for an e-newsletter, Westgate says. This promotion avoids paying for the postage and postcards
that come with traditional mass mailings. In
addition, people will have to opt in for the enewsletter.
“With mass mailings, they may be your customer, they may not,” Henn says. “E-blasts are a
great way to constantly have your message hit
your target market.”
“E-blasts are a great way to
constantly have your message hit
your target market.”
—Courtney Bourdas Henn, Fleming Entertainment
Wyatt doesn’t just use her web site as an information portal either. Thanks to an online booking system, it also can be a solid moneymaker.
Customers buy the highest percentage of birthday party goodie bags from the web, she says,
compared to over the phone or in person. Party
sales have increased as well, she says; Hinkle lists
Hinkle Family Fun Center uses its web site,
www.hinklefamilyfuncenter.com, for party
bookings, which has led to increased sales.
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HOW•TO
by Christina
MacDonald
Partner with
Local Businesses
Self-sufficiency may be a prized trait in our culture, but
being a lone ranger can be a big mistake for a midsize company, especially in an increasingly global economy.
Partnering with local businesses might be the key to
longevity given the strength of the alliance. Julie Deon,
vice president of sales and marketing for Adventure
Landing FECs in Florida, lists her prerequisites for partnering with local businesses to attain mutually beneficial goals.
STEP 1 Cater to Your Niche Demographic
Deon says a surefire way to boost park awareness and the bottom line is to pair with local companies and tailor events to
community subsets. To tap into her local animal-enthusiast
demographic, Deon planned a daylong event for dog lovers
by asking six animal shelters and 20 pet-related vendors to
attend. With each vendor paying Adventure Landing a certain amount to exhibit, both the park and the companies
benefited from the large turnout.
STEP 2 Target Businesses That Share Your Mission
“We partner with local businesses that are trying to tap into
the family audience that likes to have fun,” says Deon. “This
is a proven plan for success.” Deon approached the local PBS
affiliate and asked it to sponsor a “Learn to Read” day for
children and parents. The park didn’t have a big budget but
offered PBS a chance to have one of its kid-friendly characters, Arthur, at the park to promote the show. The park also
publicized the affiliate by putting the logo on all advertising
collateral used to promote the event. In exchange, the affiliate promoted the facility through free commercials.
STEP 3 Put Yourself in Their Place
Deon relays the importance of third-party tie-ins: “It’s always
good to have a promotion established, as this increases awareness and provides credibility to the campaign. You have to
approach the partnership with the underlying maxim of ‘How
will they benefit from this partnership? Are they looking for
branding, on-air exposure, radio tags, or park signage?’”
However, Deon conveys the importance of having a qualitative sales booklet where values are assigned to all promotional
exposure opportunities you can provide. “Always have a starting point for park signage,” she says. “It’s all negotiable and can
be customized to meet both of your goals, but this keeps your
best interest intact.”
18 FUNW O R L D
STEP 4 Consider Working with Charities
Deon suggests pairing with charities that are proactive in the
community. “Look for a sophisticated charity,” she says. “One
that can do e-mail blasts and spread the word on your company.” Deon relays the win-win situation that came as a result of
partnering with the local Boys and Girls Club. “Oftentimes,
large charities are underwritten by large companies,” Deon
remarks. “Our Boys and Girls Club chapter is underwritten by
CitiBank. CitiBank provided us with 20 of their employees who
staffed the event and allowed us to save exponentially as a
result.”
STEP 5 Host Fund-raisers That Give Back
According to Deon, nothing brings in the bucks like
approaching a local company to see if it is interested in organizing a team-building event at your park during the slow season, where proceeds benefit a charity. “We are always talking
to companies in our community between September and
October,” says Deon. “We basically sell the tickets at a discounted rate to a company that wants to promote the event
in-house and then the company sells those tickets at a higher
price to their employees with proceeds going to a charity.
Everyone benefits as a result.”
STEP 6 Be Creative
“You need to focus on different ways to attract whichever audience you are trying to draw in,” says Deon. “And sometimes
this requires thinking outside the box and researching what
these demographics spend their money on.” To bring in mothers and children during the park’s off-season, Deon partnered
with a local make-your-own pottery company. Both parties
promoted the program on their web sites and in the end benefited from the enhanced sales.
STEP 7 Contact the Airport, Not the Airline
When the president and CEO of Delta Airlines failed to
return her call regarding a one-off promotion, Deon struck
gold by contacting the Daytona International Airport’s marketing department. By making a contact at the airport, Deon
was able to promote the park in a “register to win a free trip
to Daytona” promotion, including free airfare, hotel accommodations, and tickets to the park. The park’s logo made it
onto the company’s advertising collateral, which was aggressively promoted in multiple U.S. markets.
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FEC • SPECIAL EVENTS MARKETING
Party
Time
Family entertainment centers
go after older audiences by Mike Bederka
ust because people have double-digit candles on their cakes, that doesn’t mean family entertainment centers can’t take a slice of their birthday party business.
An increasing number of facilities have realized the potential in attracting tweens,
teens, and even adults. However, matching balloons, paper plates, and hats won’t cut it
for these crowds. FECs must make special considerations for adult birthday parties to be
a success, operators say.
J
Less Hand-Holding
Dorothy Lewis, marketing manager of Maxx Fun in
Atlanta and Fun Station USA in Danbury, Connecticut, introduced a teen party about 10 years ago
after seeing a need in that demographic. By age 12,
most kids stopped coming in for parties, she says,
and “I wasn’t ready to give up that part of the business.”
Called “VIP Parties,” these celebrations put the
teen in charge of the show; no host follows the
group’s every move. The guest of honor determines
what time they eat and do the attractions, and as an
extra bonus, after-hours they get to use the soft
play—an off-limits spot for them during regular
hours. “They feel like big shots,” Lewis says. In addiBirthdays
at Maxx
Fun
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tion to this special treatment, they go to the soda
fountains themselves and can drink as much as they
want. And the pizza looks more like delivery to
make it seem as if they’re just hanging out with
friends on a Friday night.
“The whole point is to not embarrass them,”
explains Cathy Scherbarth, regional director of
sales and marketing for Boondocks Fun Center,
which has three locations. For her “Xtreme Birthday Bash,” geared for ages 12 to 18, you won’t see
any decorations, singing, or people being wrapped
up in tickets, as she does with the younger kids.
Instead, the teens can chomp down on an extra
slice of pizza and have three hours of unlimited laser
tag, bumper boats, go-karts, and miniature golf.
Free rein on the attractions, along with all-youcan-consume pizza and soda, are big selling points at
Family Fun Center and Bullwinkle’s Restaurant.
The FEC, with two locations, hosts a “Late Night
Bash” only on Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10
p.m. With fewer little kids running around, the
teens can enjoy themselves without being bothered, says Jennifer Lillie, corporate and group sales
manager: “They just want to come in, do the rides,
and eat as much pizza as they possibly can.” The
Bash has brought in some impressive crowds, she
says, averaging 300 teens over a typical weekend.
These parties make up one-third of their overall
birthday business. They charge $21.95 per person
(food included).
The cheapest way to market teen parties is by
showing them off, Lewis adds. During food time,
she doesn’t shove the kids into a room in the back.
Instead, she sections off some of the outside tables
on the main floor, dubbing it a VIP area. “Other
teens say: ‘Why do they get to go over there? Why
FEC • SPECIAL EVENTS MARKETING
do they have those VIP passes on? How do I get to
do that?’” she says.
The Big Kids
For Lewis, the opportunity for birthday business
continues well after the teenage years. She regularly
hosts parties for folks turning 30, 40, and 50. “The
best part is they get the facility an hour after we
close,” she says. “It’s exclusive.” Of course, management still has a presence in the building, cleaning
up or doing paperwork. Adult parties won’t be
booked on the same nights as teens because they use
the same area. Also, the food gets taken up a notch;
they offer catered munchies and sandwich platters.
Beth Standlee recommends three to five food
choices. Appetizers especially enhance an adult
party, says the chief sales officer for Trainertainment, a sales training company based in North
Richland Hills, Texas, focused on the FEC industry;
alcohol options will help boost revenue. She urges
FECs to be proactive in the adult party arena. For
example, when customers call and say they want to
have a party, the person working the phones should
ask, “Are you planning for an adult or a child?”
“We know almost all the time they’re planning
for a child,” Standlee says. “But when we plant the
seed about adult parties, then they start thinking
they can have an over-40 bash.”
As of late, more older people have warmed up to
this concept, and FECs have the ability to chip
away at the business usually thrown to the local bar
or restaurant.
“If you can give them a place to meet, eat, and
play all together, then you win,” she says. FW
Mike Bederka is a monthly FUNWORLD contributor. He
can be reached at [email protected].
Ten Tips to Make All
Birthday Parties Shine
Focus on customer service. Make the guest feel special
throughout the whole facility, not just the party area, says
Cathy Scherbarth of Boondocks Fun Center. If employees see a
child with a name tag or crown, they always should say, “Have a
great day,” or “Happy birthday.”
1.
Wear an apron. This way staff doesn’t have to scramble
around looking for matches for the cake lighting or a pen
for additional food orders, says Trainertainment’s Beth Standlee.
Everything is handy.
2.
Don’t become stuck in a routine. That’s the No. 1
mistake FECs make with their birthdays, says Dorothy
Lewis of Maxx Fun. Have surveys that gauge interest and show
where you need improvement.
3.
Use e-mail newsletters. Services such as Constant
Contact (www.constantcontact.com) allow management
to market the FEC and promote birthday specials at a relatively
low cost. For Standlee’s own business, she pays less than $40 a
month.
4.
Put checks in bill holders. These make the party look
more professional and improve the tip, Standlee says.
Credit card companies typically provide these for free.
5.
Keep the number of options to a minimum. Ten
different birthday packages can be overwhelming for the
guest, says Jennifer Lillie of Bullwinkle’s Restaurant. Just stick
to three or four basic packages. Also, list the recommended age
range for each offering.
6.
Wear costumes. A staffer doesn’t need a full Spider-Man
outfit, but fairy wings or Mickey Mouse ears put employees
in a more theatrical, animated mood, Standlee says. The kids
love it, too.
7.
Have a host. Parents like the extra attention, Standlee
says: “You can make five other mistakes, but if you’re
waiting for them at the front door, Mom thinks you’re the best.”
She suggests raising the overall price of the birthday package to
cover the labor costs, if needed.
8.
Don’t skimp on the marketing. Use the facility’s web
site to the fullest by posting high-quality pictures of
guests having fun. Throwing the greatest party ever won’t
matter if it’s captured in grainy or small photos.
9.
Finally, never take party business for granted.
Even though it’s an FEC staple, people always can go
elsewhere.
10.
—Mike Bederka
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PROMOTIONS
Marketing
Magic
FEC operators share their
budget-conscious and creative
tips on effective marketing
by Mike Bederka
YOU JUST SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on the
latest attractions and worked countless hours to make your
frontline employees super-staffers. Your facility should be
tokens above the competition. But when Saturday night rolls
around, the crowds are surprisingly light. What happened?
Sub-par or off-target marketing efforts may be to blame.
First Things First
Family entertainment centers can’t just rush their marketing
messages out there, says industry expert Scott Brown. Aimlessly placing ads can waste buckets of money.
Owners and operators must first take a step back to examine who makes up their audience and what they think about
the facility, notes Brown, author of “Who Cares? Creating a
Culture of Service in Your Business.”
He recommends a few easy, cheap ways to gauge customers.
Counter surveys typically only solicit the best and worst
comments. To help avoid an unfair representation, offer guests
a blank space to write down exactly what they thought about
an employee, the food, etc. In addition, with numeric scales,
use an even number of choices so people can’t choose an “average” answer, and avoid giving customers too wide a spread.
“What’s the difference between a 7 and an 8?” Brown asks.
Brown prefers a scale from 1 to 6. It’s concise and helps to separate the superior from the inferior.
He also suggests more focused follow-up phone calls to
guests. General questions elicit general responses.
Well-crafted directmail messages can be
very effective marketing tools
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PROMOTIONS
So, don’t just ask, “How was everything?” You’ll probably get
a simple “good” or “OK” in return. Instead, probe exactly what
was good: the service? the birthday party? “If they don’t have anything to say, then you have some problems,” says Brown. Always
see if the customer would recommend you, and then, of course,
ask “why?” or “why not?”
Do you have the best pizza in a 10-mile radius? Does your
redemption selection have people digging deep for quarters? Will
people wait in line for a half hour to ride the go-karts? Positive
answers to these types of questions can help tailor marketing
campaigns. “If you know what’s driving your audience,” Brown
says, “you know what you need to say.”
Traditional Marketing
Where that message goes, however, is another issue altogether.
For decades, FECs relied on newspapers, magazines, direct mail,
directories, radio, rack cards, television, and billboards. The rise
of the Internet has shifted where the dollars go, but Ken Kobane
still believes certain traditional methods have a place in facilities’ marketing budgets.
“A well-crafted message on a very tight direct mail campaign
still is a valuable tool,” says Kobane, vice president of sales and
marketing for Zuma Holdings, which has 16 locations. FECs
must be willing, though, to put in the time and effort to make
sure they reach households with children.
Radio advertising also can work, as long as owners understand
the value of being a savvy media buyer, he says. Negotiate stations against one another. All stations will offer 30-second spots,
but can they include a promotion as part of the deal? For example, will they run a listener contest where the eighth caller
receives a free party at your facility? “It’s added value,” says
Kobane, a 25-year industry vet.
Despite a few bright spots with “old-school” options, emarketing is the future, he concedes. “When was the last time
you looked at the Yellow Pages or any of the directories?”
Kobane asks. “These were things that we used to spend a lot
of money on.”
The lack of trackable evidence about return on investment is
one problem with traditional marketing. “We sold $400,000
worth of wristbands for all-day passes,” he says. “How much do
you attribute that to the fact that we spent $8,000 on a two-week
radio campaign? That’s a tough little judgment.”
Another downside is having an audience with a shorter
attention span, says Cathy Scherbarth, regional director of sales
and marketing for Boondocks Fun Center, which has three locations. The advent of TiVo and similar devices allows potential
guests to zoom through TV commercials, she says. Also, many
people bypass the car radio for their iPods.
Newer Techniques
Rather than fight change, FECs should embrace today’s technology, Scherbarth says, as a facility’s web site can be its best marketing tool. Post the URL on all print materials and at the
bottom of any TV spots; this way, even if people hit fast forward,
Quick Marketing Tips
for FECs
» Survey customers; ask them for specific information on
what they liked/didn’t like.
» Follow up with customers for more details, if necessary.
» Ask pointed, specific questions; avoid general questions
such as, “How did you like the food?”
» Direct mail is a powerful tool; use it wisely and with a
well-crafted message.
» Embrace technology; your web site can be a strong
marketing tool.
» Use video sharing sites (YouTube.com) and social
networking sites (MySpace.com) to your advantage.
they still can see the vital info.
She notes a dozen critical items for any FEC web site to have:
hours of operation, attractions info, pricing, group sales, birthday
options, food, rules and requirements inside the venue, FAQ,
news, directions, about us, and job openings. Work with a web
company familiar with the industry, Scherbarth adds. “They
understand what we’re selling. Otherwise, it may be pretty but
not very user-friendly for what our guests are trying to do.”
Scherbarth says the web site should be simple; fancy designs
and graphics can frustrate customers with slow Internet connections. FECs also should capitalize on e-newsletters, she says. Collect e-mail addresses from your customers and send them
periodic updates on special promotions. To avoid spamming,
only hit them four to six times a year, and make sure they can opt
out at any time. A “Hey, we’re here!” message along with a $2off coupon might get on people’s nerves. However, a great discount or info about a brand-new New Year’s Eve party will keep
them interested, Scherbarth explains.
Social networking web sites also can help spread the word.
Scherbarth used MySpace (www.myspace.com) to contact local
high school class presidents and promote her grad nights. Other
FECs have created MySpace profiles for their facilities. The
Corning Family Entertainment Center in Corning, California
(www.myspace.com/corningfamilyecenter), lists specials and
events, and boasts more than 100 friends.
YouTube (www.youtube.com), a free video-sharing web site,
lets FECs upload and post clips of their facilities in action. With
some forethought, a catchy video has the potential to become a
viral phenomenon. “It has to be different,” Scherbarth advises.
“It has to be something worth them passing along. You’re getting
other people to do the work for you.” Stay away from making
videos that just list hours and give other basic information,
Brown adds: “People are looking to be entertained by your message, not just receive it.” FW
Mike Bederka is a contributing writer for FUNWORLD. He can be
reached at [email protected].
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FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 9
FEC: MEDIA
Becoming
Media Savvy
Effective press releases and events
can drive FEC business
by Mike Bederka
ADS COST MONEY—SOMETIMES A LOT OF MONEY—
so in a tight market, family entertainment centers hope to save
a few bucks anywhere they can.
A well-written press release or first-name familiarity with the
media can do just that, all while driving sales and, perhaps, having more impact than traditional advertising techniques. While
economical, this type of marketing to print, online, radio, and
TV outlets can be tricky and requires a flare for creativity and an
eye for news.
in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Prior to working here, she spent almost
10 years as a reporter and anchor in TV and radio.
It also helps to tailor your release to a particular area of the
press. For example, a newspaper business reporter may be interested in your new manager or if you offer corporate team building or office parties. A features writer for a parenting magazine
might want to know how families can spend the day together at
your facility.
To keep all your contacts straight, Choate says, make a comprehensive media list, including the name of appropriate editor
and writer, snail mail and e-mail address, phone number, and
web site.
If you don’t know the best person, just call the outlet and ask.
Releases sent to a general address or the wrong person may go
straight to the trash heap. “We don’t want to waste their time for
something that doesn’t pertain to them,” says Julie Dion, vice
president of sales and marketing for Adventure Landing, which
has nine locations across the United States. For more on this
topic, read the handout from last year's Expo session on pressrelease writing. It is located at http://www.iaapaimis.org/
intproject/HandOuts/iae2007/PressReleaseWriting.pdf.
What to Promote
First off, think of the types of things you would like to promote
to the media. A common mistake is sending releases on nonevents, says marketing expert Leigh Choate, who has consulted
with Austin’s Park, Amazing Jake’s, Boomers, and Incredible
Pizza Company. “Nobody cares that you changed your prices or
got a new cheese supplier,” Choate says.
Instead, focus on the most newsworthy, exciting aspects of
your facility. Do you own a unique ride or attraction that no one
else has in a 100-mile radius? Are you hosting a fund-raiser,
where a percentage of the day’s sales go to an area charity? Is a
staff member trying to break the world endurance record for
“Dance Dance Revolution”? “They’re always looking for quirky
and local,” says Karen Kraus, marketing director for Action City
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Adventure Landing donated the proceeds from its Frog Frolic
to charity.
FEC: MEDIA
Press Release Writing
Basics
Once you know the press release topic
and who will receive it, it’s time to hit the
keyboard and start writing. Skip the flowery words and exclamation points, suggests Dion, who’s also the agency of
record for Ghost Town in the Sky in
Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
“You’re not writing an ad,” she says.
“It reduces the creditability when you use
terms like, ‘come on out’ and ‘take advantage of our special offer.’ The media is
going to shun that, thinking you’re just
trying to get free exposure.”
In press release writing, lead with the
most interesting info, be concise, double
check spelling and grammar, and follow
Smile for the Camera
the journalism staple of the five W’s and
High-quality photos of your FEC can serve as a nice complement to any
one H: who, what, when, where, why,
electronic press release—the key being high quality. “If your picture doesn’t
and how. “You tend to be so wrapped up
look good, the assumption—very inaccurately—can be made that your
in your event that sometimes you forget
facility
doesn’t look good,” says Karen Kraus of Action City.
the basics like the date and location,”
Kraus says.
To help ensure a crisp shot, aim for a large image, with a DPI resolution of
“Try to write the story for them—
300 or higher, explains Ghost Town in the Sky’s Julie Dion. That matters
answer every question you can think of,
more than the format itself; most publications can use EPS, TIFF, or JPEG
so they have all the information they
files.
need to publish the article,” Choate adds.
Avoid photos of empty game rooms or customers just milling around with
Make sure the subject line (if sending
their hands in their pockets. “You want to see smiling faces,” Kraus says.
electronically) or headline (mail or fax) is
“You want to see people have fun.”
catchy or at least gives some quick, basic
information, Dion notes. For instance, say:
Besides pictures, Dion e-mails videos (which also can be viewed at
“New Slide Coming to Adventure Landwww.ghosttowninthesky.com/special/whatsnew.html), along with the
ing,” rather than just “Adventure Landpress release, to promote Ghost Town.
ing.”
A final point: For both mediums, make sure you have signed releases from
In the release, list a contact name and
any
guests shown, Dion says, as you don’t want to use anything without
number, including a cell phone, in case
their
permission.
the reporter needs to get in touch ASAP.
—Mike Bederka
For electronic releases, copy the text to the
body of the e-mail, Choate recommends.
come out and play,” Kraus says. “They can let loose and see what
Messages with attachments may scare off some computer virusyour facility has to offer.”
leery writers.
More than 100 members of the press came out for a recent
Finally, it’s a good habit to touch base by phone with the
media day at Ghost Town. The free event included lunch and
recipient right before the release goes out, Dion says: “It’s more
guided tours, and they had the opportunity to interview staff and
personable. They don’t feel like it’s going to everyone in the
state representatives.
world.” However, a word of caution: Don’t be overly persistent.
Media events are a no-brainer, well worth any initial costs.
Multiple phone calls of “Did you publish my release?” or “Will
Kraus says. “They may be much more receptive to come back
you write an article about us?” could irritate the reporter.
and pay, or keep you in mind when they’re doing a story.” FW
Media Events
Beyond releases, FECs can forge a solid relationship with the
local media by hosting press-only events. “Invite the media to
Mike Bederka is a contributing writer for FUNWORLD. He can be
reached at [email protected].
FEC Edition
n
FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 11
FEC: TRENDS
On Target
More family entertainment centers
enter the laser tag arena
by Mike Bederka
About 40 percent of guests top 21 years old, says Jim Kessler,
chief of imagination and performance. Many of them grew up
on laser tag and enjoy reconnecting with their youth, he says.
Like AJ’s, Lasertron has found financial success with
laser tag. This year, the facility—which also features gokarts and an arcade—will do $1.2 million just in laser tag
business, he projects.
New Trends
LASER TAG CONTINUES TO HIT THE MARK AT
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS AROUND THE
WORLD.
From 2002 to 2007, the number of FECs that opened with
laser tag almost doubled, according to the International Laser
Tag Association. In the same five-year stretch, about 25 percent more stand-alone facilities debuted.
This success comes from the attraction scoring points on
three major fronts, explains Eric Gaizat, of membership services
for the Indianapolis, Indiana-based organization. “It’s reliable,
fun, and, most important, profitable.”
Wide Audience
AJ’s Family Fun Center in Ludington, Michigan, installed a
laser tag arena in 2006 as part of a park overhaul. They wanted
to move from a seasonal to a year-round business, says Jason
Rice, general manager. “It has paid for itself already,” he says.
“We would be kind of lost without it.”
His sales jumped because laser tag attracts a wide range of
guests. Construction workers, seniors at post-prom functions,
and members of church groups all pay them a visit. And, of
course, laser tag remains a popular birthday party activity.
“Laser tag is a game that can be fun for anyone who can hold
the phaser and wear the pack,” Gaizat says.
The Lasertron Interactive Entertainment Center in
Amherst, New York, hosts many corporate events thanks in
part to a full liquor license.
12 FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S
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The key to making money from laser tag comes from having a
large venue, says Kessler, also president and chief executive
officer of Lasertron Inc., a manufacturer of laser tag equipment
and arenas. After his facility went multilevel (6,900 square feet
on the first floor and 2,300 square feet upstairs), sales and the
“wow” factor went way up.
Guests don’t have to worry about enemies just from the
front and back, left and right. “Once you add that second level,
it becomes 3-D in a sense,” he says. “You can get tagged above
and below. The size of it looks so much bigger.”
Two-level arenas outperform and outlast single-level arenas
nearly two to one, Gaizat notes: “This results in a better return
on investment and greater experiences as well as raises the bar
for any competition in the area.”
Beyond the venue landscape, laser tag has expanded with its
technology. Long gone are the days of clunky helmets and basic
games.
The lighter, more durable equipment has clearer sound and
more color options, Gaizat says.
What’s the Cost?
The average FEC will spend $100,000 to $150,000 to add
laser tag as an attraction, according to the International
Laser Tag Association. A stand-alone facility can run
$300,000 to $700,000, depending on location, size, food
prep, number of packs, and type of equipment.
FEC: TRENDS
Companies also offer different additions
Rice agreed about the attraction’s ease
10
Groups
to
of use. He can easily handle switching out
to their software packages. Players can
Seek Out for
batteries or cleaning a vest. With bigger
upgrade the packs or unlock hidden feaLaser Tag
troubles, Rice uses phone support from
tures, including stealth, rapid fire, and freeze
Wedding Rehearsal Dinners
the manufacturer.
ray. Managers can change the game length
Birthday Parties for All Ages
“Some things are beyond me,” he says
as well as the number of lives allotted.
Church
Lock-ins
with a laugh.
The constant variety equals more repeat
Corporate Team Building
The good news is parts have become
play, Kessler says: “It adds something to the
Graduation Parties
easier to replace or fix if broken, Gaizat
game experience. Guests never know what
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
says.
they’re going to get.”
New Year’s Parties
To help keep routine costs down,
Other features that make laser tag excitFund-raisers
some facilities have made special efforts
ing rely on enhanced sights and sounds. Fog
Tournaments and Leagues
to become more energy efficient.
makes the lasers visible and creates a fun
Volunteer Organizations
Davor Franicevich, owner of Laser
environment, Gaizat says. “And the right
Tag of Baton Rouge, in Louisiana, recmusic is crucial to saturating the player in
ommends having a lighting and HVAC
the reality the operator is trying to create,”
management system for the building. This way, lights only pop
he says. “In the past, the norm has been to use heavy techno
on when needed and all the air-conditioning units can be synmusic. Now, more arenas use music that may mirror the theme
chronized.
they’ve chosen for their facility.”
Payback on setting up a system like this takes less than two
Maintenance Issues
years, Franicevich says.
Kessler takes these special effects seriously. “In our facility, you
Another tip is to buy LED lighting. They probably will cost
can lose your job if the fog machine isn’t working correctly,” he
more money than traditional lights to purchase, but they make
says.
up for it by using less power and lasting longer.
Luckily, maintenance doesn’t generally cause many snafus,
For more information about the International Laser Tag
Kessler says. If FEC operators stick to weekly quality control
Association, visit www.lasertag.org. FW
checks, larger problems shouldn’t develop. For example,
Mike Bederka is a contributing editor for FUNWORLD. He can be
Kessler spends more time dealing with the 37 games in his
reached at [email protected].
arcade than the laser tag equipment.
IAAPA F.I.R.S.T. Program—Learn more about the IAAPA FEC insurance program by contacting American
Specialty at +1 260/672-8800 or at [email protected].
FEC Edition
n
FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 13
FEC: WEB DESIGN
Primetime
Online
10 ways to make web sites stand out
by Mike Bederka
AFTER 15 YEARS, BADGER SPORTS PARK FINALLY
decided to launch a new web site in May. The decision was
long overdue, jokes Cindy Bruecker, administrator for the
family entertainment center in Appleton, Wisconsin.
“Imagine what the Internet looked like when it first
started,” she says of their previous digital fossil.
Bruecker, the FEC’s point person for www.badger
sportspark.com, believes a strong Internet presence will be the
facility’s best marketing tool. FECs without an attractive web
site miss a key way to entice guests of all ages, she notes.
Many experts agree, and they offer 10 tips to improve your
site.
company can help you to understand important issues like
search engine optimization (more on that later). However,
she advises going with a firm that has a content management
system available. This feature allows owners and operators to
change the information on the web site (like coupons, hours,
and prices) with just a few keystrokes. Bruecker has little trouble with her content management system and enjoys the
instant control for updates. “I don’t want to wait for someone
for a week or two,” she says.
3. Focus on the Home Page
Make a strong impression with the home page—it’s the first
thing your guests will see, says Amy Madson, general manager
for Cool-de-Sac Play Café in Miami, Florida. Her FEC hired
1. Find a Designer
First off, don’t haphazardly hire a web site designer, especially
since the creation of a new site can run anywhere from $3,000
to $8,000, says Katie R. Bruno, director of wddonline, a web
site design and development company in Wadsworth, Ohio.
See what other sites they’ve worked on and be sure to get lots
of references, Bruecker adds.
Also, you always can choose to make a web site yourself or
tap the talents of a tech-savvy employee. “It can definitely be
cheaper,” says Bruno, a frequent lecturer at the IAAPA
Attractions Expo. “On the other hand, if you lose that person, no else knows what to do.”
2. Be in Control
Bruno suggests picking a professional instead of a do-ityourself job. The site will most likely look better, and the
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FEC Edition
Cool-de-Sac in Miami hired a professional photographer to
ensure its home page made a good first impression.
FEC: WEB DESIGN
a professional photographer to capture fun shots for the home
page and the rest of the site (www.cool-de-sac.com). Beyond
powerful images, include the basic info you want customers
to know: hours, prices, e-mail address, phone number, types
of attractions, and food. For directions, make your address
link directly to Yahoo Maps (http://maps.yahoo.com) or a
similar web site, Bruno says. Posting these nuts and bolts,
Madson says, frees your staff from answering the same question 20 times daily on the phone.
4. Don’t Forget the Extras
Remember the web site shouldn’t be bare bones. You want
people to come back to your site often.
Think about coupons and printable birthday party invitations, Bruno says. Have another section where people can
sign up for an electronic newsletter. With this, you can send
occasional messages on specials and new attractions. (A tip:
People will more readily offer up their e-mail addresses if
there’s some sort of contest and they have a chance to win
free passes, Bruno says.)
Badger Sports Park’s web site added virtual tours of the
facility to make the Internet portal more interactive.
8. Search Engine Optimization
5. Go Multimedia
Also, don’t be afraid to add a couple extra bells and whistles
to make the web site more interactive. Bruecker included
some virtual tours, and Bruno says FECs should jump on
YouTube (www.youtube.com). “It’s totally underutilized by
most facilities,” she says. The free site allows people to
quickly and easily upload and share short videos. You can
record a few spins around the go-kart track or kids engrossed
in your brand-new games. “It doesn’t have to be extremely
professional,” Bruno explains.
6. Use Your Staff
While you may not want your employees to completely create your web site, it would be a mistake to not look to them
for suggestions, Madson says. Younger staff members, in fact,
may have more web experience than you. Plus, they could
create some art pieces or designs to be used online. As a
result, they feel like part of the company, Madson says: “It
gives the staff a sense of ownership.”
7. Writing Copy
Text for the web differs from copy you would generally use in
print, Bruno says. For example, reduce the number of adjectives and adverbs; people will just scan right over them. In
addition, opt for bulleted lists instead of paragraphs, and avoid
a hodgepodge of colors and fonts. They can be tough on the
eyes. Rather, stick with a few themes that match your logo.
Your copy must be aesthetically pleasing, but it also has to
pack a virtual punch, Bruno says. Content is the most important aspect of search engine optimization—or how to get
your facility listed on the first Google page, not the 13th. “If
you want to be found under ‘mini-golf in Cleveland,’ you
actually have to say ‘mini-golf in Cleveland’ several times on
the page,” she says. A quick warning, though: Watch out for
fly-by-night companies that promise to boost your web ranking.
For more on search engine optimization, visit
www.seochat.com/seo-tools. And to read more about search
engine optimization, see the Digital World column in the
June 2008 issue of FUNWORLD.
9. Check Out the Competition
Running dry on other ways to make your site stand out? Visit
the web sites of your competitors and others that you respect
in the industry. “That’s a great place to start,” Bruno says.
“That’s what your customers are seeing.” You don’t have to
copy them link for link, but you may get a couple ideas on
how to jazz up your site.
10. Show It Off
Finally, you have this great site. Now, flaunt it. Plaster that
URL everywhere you can, from outdoor banners to menus to
notepads. And be sure to feature it on all traditional pieces
of advertising: radio, TV, and print. FW
FEC Edition
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FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 15
FEC: SPONSORSHIPS
A Word from
Our Sponsors
Local partnerships help FECs
increase revenue and connect
with communities
by Mike Bederka
FOR YEARS, AMUSEMENT PARKS HAVE ENJOYED
THE SPOILS OF CORPORATE SPONSORS. Now, some
pioneering family entertainment centers look to these collaborations to boost nontraditional revenues in a tight economy and maybe, more important, strengthen ties in the
community.
“Don’t just go after the dollars,” urges David Shook, events
and partnerships director for Paradise Park Inc., in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. “Go after the relationship. That’s what we’re
doing.”
Other FECs soon may join them on this two-part quest,
anticipates Emily Rogers, sponsorship expert and managing
director of IEG Advisory Services Group in Chicago, Illinois.
“This sector is really new to sponsorships,” she says, describing FECs as an “emerging property type.”
16 FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S
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FEC Edition
What to Offer
First off, some clarification: Rogers defines sponsorship as a
company that pays a rights fee to have a marketing relationship with a property. Traditional advertising is static, she says,
whereas sponsorship is more integrated and can include features like signage, and vending and promotional rights.
Paradise Park offers three levels of sponsorship, with a
global partnership being the highest level of commitment.
For example, Hy-Vee, a local grocery store chain, set up a
mock mini-market in the “edutainment center” that attracts
many school field trips. Kids learn about nutrition and money
from the experience. Event partnerships, a less expensive
opportunity, can be linked to a specific date or time, like a fall
hayride. And, last, go-kart sponsors get their company logos
decaled on the speedster.
Hal Rogers Family Entertainment Center also follows a
tiered approach with its sponsorships, says Diane Bruers, general manager of the Williamsburg, Kentucky, facility. A banner outside the park costs $200, while $30,000 allows a
company to be an exclusive vendor, she says. Many opt for
the platinum ($5,000) or silver ($2,000) level. Here, they get
a bunch of signage, a link on its web site, and free passes.
“You have to offer them something back besides the advertising,” Bruers notes. The passes have become a huge hit and
are a big reason why sponsors return every year.
FECs also can cash in from the extra volume. Part of Paradise Park’s sponsorship package allows companies to use its
meeting space at a discounted rate or free of charge. “We
FEC: SPONSORSHIPS
want those group events, summer picnics, and Christmas parties,” Shook says.
Sponsorship Facts
and Tips
Whom to Target
䡲 Sponsorship spending continues to steadily
increase. In North America, it went from $6.8 billion
in 1998 to approximately $14.9 billion in 2007.
Shook plans to grow his FEC’s sponsorship program, and that
will come by targeting companies with similar philosophies:
family and fun. That’s an accurate model to follow, Rogers
says. “Many sponsors are seeking to interact and market to
families. They want to be tied to a local community-related
property.”
Her research shows the most active company types for
sponsorships include financial services, beverages, cars, and
telecommunications. Rogers recommends staying far away
from anything controversial like tobacco or alcohol. She also
says the facility’s point person (a manager or someone
involved in sales, vending, marketing, or public relations)
should be well versed in the FEC industry. The potential
sponsor may need some education about the business.
Bruers has the drill down with 50 to 60 area companies on
her annual pitch list. She will first mail them some literature,
and if she doesn’t hear anything back, she follows up in person. Bruers tries to coordinate the proposal with the company’s budget planning.
A cold call is another good place to start, says Rogers,
adding that people should ask for the marketing, community
relations, or maybe even sponsorship department. Also, Paradise Park includes sponsorship information on its web site
(www.paradise-park.com/sponsorship.html), but Shook says
90 percent of the time he does the legwork. With his pitch,
he describes the bonding that occurs with the community as
well as the networking with other area companies. They have
special nights for sponsor get-togethers.
䡲 The top sponsor objectives are increase brand loyalty, create awareness/visibility, change/reinforce
image, drive retailer/dealer traffic, stimulate sales/
trial/usage, community/social responsibility, platform for experiential branding, and sample/display
products/services.
䡲 Sponsors want to know audience demographics,
psychographics, buying habits, and loyalty/affinity
to property; and sponsor recall/awareness and loyalty/propensity to purchase.
䡲 Define success in advance, and be clear with the
objectives. So, instead of, “Showcase corporate
citizenship,” say, “Increase awareness of company
as socially responsible from 12 percent to 18 percent over the six-month period as determined by
responses from monthly tracking research.”
Source: IEG
“When they see what the potential is,” Shook says, “then
that dollar figure we ask is a minimal investment on an
annual basis.”
Keeping in Touch
That’s not to say the partnership is self-sustaining. “The sponsorship business is all about accountability these days,” Rogers
says. Bare minimum, FECs should have formal check-ins
once a quarter, she says. This would document the benefits
delivered and details of any promotions. “You’re obviously
going to be in touch throughout the year as things are going
on at the property,” Rogers says.
Bruers invites sponsors to attend special events (like a
Fourth of July party), sends a thank-you letter after the summer, and mails a small gift around the holidays. With the latter, she includes a note saying how the park did during the
season and lets them know she will be in touch soon to discuss renewing the contract.
Shook uses his FEC’s monthly e-newsletter as a reason to
keep in constant contact. “I’m not feeling obtrusive,” he says
of the solicitation for articles and information. “I just send
them a friendly e-mail and give them a follow-up call of what
would you like us to promote.” FW
FEC Edition
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FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 17
FEC: OPERATIONS
Grand Slam
Seven ways to draw crowds with
batting cages
by Mike Bederka
LIKE A CLUTCH HITTER, BATTING CAGES have
served as a reliable and consistent attraction to many family entertainment centers for years. “Ours are always
packed,” says Dave Pfefferle, owner and general manager of
Westerville Mini Golf and Batting Cages in Westerville,
Ohio.
Yet, in a tight economy, nothing is certain and FEC management must stay vigilant to keep that business strong.
Here are seven ways to hit a home run with your batting
cages.
Offer Lessons
Pfefferle puts his minor league baseball experience to good
use. He offers hitting lessons as another way to draw in
guests. (Two college baseball players and a high school
coach also make up his teaching crew.) For one person, he
charges $20 for a 15-minute lesson and $30 for a half-hour.
18 FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S
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FEC Edition
With teams, it runs $50 for 30 minutes. “It could be hundreds of dollars at other places,” said Pfefferle, noting the
bargain for customers.
Market to Coaches
Often, area coaches will have an orientation meeting before
the season starts to discuss rules and to pick their teams.
Daniel Decker makes it a point to stop by then to drop off
fliers. He promotes his venue and describes the value of
extra batting practice. “It will make their league better,”
says Decker, floor manager for Prime Time Family Enter-
Coverage Issues
It’s important for FECs to confirm with their insurance brokers that there are no limitations or exclusions in their general liability policies for including a
batting cage or for any element of its operation, says
David A. Harris, executive vice president of insurance
services for American Specialty Insurance and Risk
Services. As an example, make sure there are no warranties relative to pitching speed or a requirement
for wearing helmets contained within the wording of
the policy.
FEC: OPERATIONS
tainment Center in Abilene, Texas.
Build the Relationship
At Park Lanes Family Entertainment
Center in Hillsboro, Oregon, relationships with local baseball and softball
associations
continues
throughout the season. The facility
takes part in several sponsorships
where they give time in the cage in
exchange for field signage and inclusion in the program books, says owner
Dean Johnson. He also lets the
coaches use the meeting room for a
team signup or other functions at no
charge. Outside of the sponsorship,
Johnson encourages teams to have
their end-of-the-season parties at his
venue.
Batting Cages:
10 Tips for Loss Prevention
1. Understand and follow any guidelines and restrictions recommended by
the equipment manufacturers.
2. Have a radar gun available and operational.
3. Have a fire extinguisher placed in a designated location adjacent to pitching machines.
4. Have self-closing and latching doors to restrict people from inadvertently
entering a live cage.
5. Provide and require helmets for use inside all batting cages.
6. Post rule signage stating (at a minimum): no swinging bats outside of
cages, batting helmets are to be worn at all times when in the cage, and
one person allowed in a cage at a time. In addition, provide signage outside of cages noting the type of ball and speed of pitches so guests understand the experience prior to entering.
7.
Expand the Season
For Johnson, the outdoor batting cage
season peaks from March to May;
business is slim at best from October
to February, attributed mainly to cold,
windy weather in the northwestern
United States. To help break out of
the slump and make it a better yearround attraction, he plans to go
indoors with the cages.
Cater to Corporate
Batting cages can be a strong seller
with local businesses, Johnson notes.
Market them as a location for corporate events and as a place to practice
for company baseball or softball
teams.
Within the cage, have home plate, the batter’s box, and a “do not cross”
line (forward of batter’s box) clearly marked.
8. Complete and retain for records daily documented safety inspections
covering: pitch speed and location calibration for each machine; fencing, netting, and padding are in place and in good repair; bats, balls, and
helmets are clean and in good repair; all signage is in place and readable;
pitching machine equipment and surrounding netting is in place and in
good repair; batter’s box, home plate, and “do not cross” line are clearly
visible.
9. Complete training of all operations staff on daily inspections, standard
operating procedures for batting cage equipment and protocols, and
emergency response procedures in case of injury, severe weather, etc.
10. Provide supervision of area for assistance to employees and guests as
needed, to monitor staff behavior, and to enforce park rules.
Source: Russ Kietzman, assistant vice president in the loss control department for American Specialty
Insurance and Risk Services in Roanoke, Indiana. Ask about IAAPA's F.I.R.S.T. insurance program.
www.amerspec.com
Host a Batting League
FECs can put a different spin on the cage experience by creating a batting league, said Bob Hansen, owner of Funway
Ultimate Entertainment Center in Batavia, Illinois. The
games pit two people against one another for a few innings.
They score points based on where the ball travels (for
example, zero points for a strikeout, one for a popup, and
two for a line drive).
Maintain the Attraction
Negative word of mouth ruins a batting cage, Hansen says:
“You can get a bad reputation among leagues if your equipment doesn’t pitch well or it always seems to be breaking
down.” Pfefferle says all repairs should be done immediately, and that means overnighting parts if necessary. “You
have to keep every cage running at all times,” he stresses. FW
FEC Edition
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FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 19
Santa’s Village in
Jefferson, New
Hampshire, uses
its web site for
general
admission,
two-day tickets,
and season
passes.
FEC: TICKETING
Digital Dollars
Online ticketing presents new
frontier for FECs
by Mike Bederka
䡲 People often make decisions online.
䡲 It collects information to tailor guest incentive
programs and to build up marketing lists.
䡲 Managers can easily track effectiveness.
䡲 Other places do it.
That last point may be the most important, she notes.
“FECs have to be competitive with other entertainment
options: shows, sporting events, movies. More and more, peoMANY FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS USE
ple are buying those things online.”
Scott Brown adds another advantage to the list: easy transTHEIR WEB SITES AS A WAREHOUSE FOR DIRECactions.
When customers buy the tickets and print them at
TIONS, PRICES, AND PHOTOS. Few let their online
home,
they
can be processed more quickly at the gate. “We
portals be a place where guests can buy all-day passes, book
scan
the
paper,
and they’re good to go,” says Brown, director
and pay for birthday parties, and coordinate consignment
of sales for Swings-N-Things
efforts.
Family
Fun Park in Olmsted
Katie Bruno saw a similar hesiChoices
to
Make
Township,
Ohio. “It saves us
tation in the amusement park
time.
We
don’t
have to explain
industry years ago. But after some
ED LABONTE OF SANTA’S VILLAGE extensively
researched
online
ticketing
companies
before
everything.
They
already know
trial and error and subsequent sucsettling
on
one.
Price
and
ease
of
use
topped
the
what
they’re
getting.”
cess, most large venues now take
list of determining factors for him. LaBonte opted
Plus, the FEC already has
full advantage of digital sales.
for
a
third
party
to
help
with
his
web
sales,
but
the
guests’ money before they
“FECs will follow the same cycle,”
some
point-of-sale
(POS)
systems
can
handle
come
out. So, even if customers
says Bruno, director of wddonline,
online
ticketing.
don’t
show up, the venue still
a web site design and development
Katie
Bruno
of
wddonline
recommends
FECs
collects
the cash.
company in Wadsworth, Ohio. “It
go
with
their
own
POS
system
as
a
first
choice,
might take a little bit longer, but
if their vendors have that feature available. “All
they’re going to get there.”
Areas of Focus
the money is in the same place,” she says.
Bruno sees two strong areas
For a detailed breakdown of third-party
Many Benefits
facilities can take advantage of
online ticketing and POS vendors, visit
Like the large parks, FECs have
with e-commerce: consignment
http://presentations.wddonline.com/public/
many reasons to consider online
and birthday parties. For the
iaapa/2008/ index.cfm?current_root=146 and
ticketing, Bruno says:
former, the online option simcontinue through the slides.
䡲 It offers 24/7 convenience
plifies the steps for the FEC. In
for guests.
the past, Brown had to count up
20 FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S
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FEC Edition
FEC: TICKETING
an allotment of tickets and ship
Online Ticketing:
them out to each business; compaGoing Through the Motions
nies had to pay for unsold tickets.
1. Guest selects ticket types and amounts, and views the total.
Now, businesses just get a code and
2. Guest inputs payment information and submits the order.
employees can buy the discounted
tickets online.
3. Payment process: credit card and transaction info sent to payment gateWith birthday parties, the FEC
way (a virtual terminal that directs the online transaction); gateway condetermines the parameters available
tacts consumer’s account to approve or reject the transaction and
to guests, including packages and
reserve the purchase amount; consumer’s account sends approval or
costs, maximum and minimum
rejection to gateway; gateway sends message to ticketing software.
group sizes, room sizes, time slots,
4. Approval message received by ticket program.
and add-ons. However, the commu5. Order summary given to consumer.
nication with guests shouldn’t end
6. Guest prints the ticket at home and brings to the FEC.
when they input their credit card
info and click “submit.” Birthdays
7. FEC staff scans the barcode and ticket becomes invalid for further use.
are “very personalized,” Bruno
stresses, and FEC staff should call
2,200 tickets on the site. “We’re just getting our feet wet,” he
parents before the party to strengthen the relationship and
says of his first year selling tickets online, hoping to grow this
confirm all the particulars.
number in 2009.
“Think of it as another sales tool, not necessarily a tool to
One sure way to boost
complete the whole process,” Bruno
online interest is through marcautions.
keting, Bruno says. For examMarketing Mind-set
ple, Brown makes the ticket
Amid the potential for higher volume
feature prominent on the
sales, don’t forget about the basic ticket
Swings-N-Things home page
choices. Santa’s Village in Jefferson,
and gives an $8 discount for a
New Hampshire, uses its web site for
family of four if they purchase
general admission, two-day tickets, and
through the web site. The site
season passes, says Ed LaBonte, informakes up a “relatively small but
mation technology manager. From this
growing” part of the overall
past May to December, the facility sold
sales, he says, having used the
system for two years.
“You have to be patient with
it,” acknowledges Brown. “You
can’t just put it there and
expect the sales to come in. You have to market it. You have
to send people there.”
Not for Everyone (or Everything)
In some cases, though, FECs should be cautious with online
tickets. Those facilities with low price points, for instance,
might want to stick to hard cash, Bruno says. FECs must factor in fees to the online ticketing vendor and the credit card
company, as well, which she estimates at about $1.50 per
ticket: “If your ticket only costs $4, it doesn’t really make
sense.”
Also, Bruno wouldn’t recommend using online ticketing
for larger events. She says the complexity and variability of
something like a 600-person corporate picnic requires a lot
more attention to detail and a personal touch that can’t be
replicated by a computer. FW
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FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 21
Online and social networking
advertising is becoming more
crucial for FECs.
FEC: ADVERTISING
Ad Aware
10 smart ways to enhance your
FEC’s message
by Mike Bederka
SOME FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS DON’T
HAVE TO ADVERTISE AT ALL. For these fortunate facilities, guests gleefully line up without being exposed to a single
TV commercial, web link, or radio spot.
However, most other FECs rely on ads and other types of
marketing. A successful campaign can drum up hearty business,
but it can also drain your life savings if done haphazardly. FEC
experts offer these 10 tips on how to be smart with your advertising dollars and efficiently market your venue.
1. Text Away
Saletta Coleman spends less than a penny each time she
reaches out to her young audience. The cheap and simple technique: text messaging.
“They aren’t anywhere but online and on their cell
phones,” says Coleman, director of sales and marketing for
Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Family Entertainment Center,
of her young potential visitors. “Anyone who hasn’t figured
that out is really behind the eight ball.”
She posts a sign-up list at her Chicago venue. In exchange
for their cell phone numbers, guests have the chance to win
prizes. People on the list, now more than a thousand names
strong, receive once or twice a week updates on upcoming
events, Coleman says. They can opt out from the messages at
any time, lessening the worry of spam. Also, texting easily
allows cell phone users to share the info with their friends not
on the list. “It’s like a virus,” she says.
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2. Pre-promotion
Roger Allan opened FunWorks FunZone this past June, but the
general manager’s marketing efforts started well before that.
A slice of the FEC, located at a mall in Clifton Park, New
York, moved into a kiosk at the food court about six months
prior to the facility’s full opening, promoting gem mining and
“stuff your own animal” on a small scale. After the 2007 holidays, he upgraded to a temporary in-line store across from the
FunWorks construction site where he featured a larger retail
display and added an inflatable.
Allan didn’t attempt to make “loads and loads of money”
with the pre-promotion. Instead, he wanted to describe FunWorks’ concept and raise awareness to future customers.
“It worked very well,” he said. “By the time we opened,
people knew who we were.”
3. On Target
In 2008, Swing-N-Things Family Fun Park in Olmstead
Township, Ohio, made the push toward online advertising
and pulled back on everything else: radio, print, and television. With traditional advertising, the facility couldn’t
specifically identify what the marketing dollars generated,
explains Scott Brown, director of sales. However, online
options allow Brown to track specific things like upticks in
group sales or birthday parties.
“You don’t need to sacrifice all your radio, TV, and print, if
you like it,” he notes. “With Google AdWords, you can spend
a dollar a day, 30 bucks a month. You can definitely go in and
dabble. If you see it paying dividends, you invest a little more.”
Google allows people to choose words or phrases related to
their business and create a sponsored ad that appears on the
side of the search page, increasing exposure. You only pay if
someone clicks on the ad.
4. Go Guerilla
Allan doesn’t confine his attractions and staff to FunWorks’
four walls. He partners with a local hockey team and brings
FEC: ADVERTISING
his inflatables to select home games. Kids
attending can come out and bounce around
before or after the game, or between periods.
“We get a coupon and a flyer into Mom’s hand,”
he says. His town also hosts a large Fourth of
July celebration. Here, too, Allan sends an
inflatable for the event, giving his employees
time to work the crowd.
The only cost for these two promotions: a little bit of payroll for staff.
“Never, ever, underestimate the value of
guerilla marketing,” Allan enthuses.
5. Social Marketing
Five More Advertising Tips
1. Avoid the hard sell. Ads that shout “Buy now!” or “Ask
your parents!” can turn off guests, says Raquel Felicio of the
Brazilian Association of Amusement Parks.
2. Ask for a deal. Many radio stations offer an agency discount
to anyone, says Roger Allan of FunWorks FunZone. He saved
15 percent recently just by saying he was his own agency.
3. Use coupon codes. They help track and gauge ad effectiveness, Allan says.
4. Be selective. Watch out for companies that want you to
advertise on their web sites, says Scott Brown of Swings-NThings. FECs can run up a large tab if not careful.
5. Check the calendar. Buy TV and radio spots during the first
If you haven’t found your way to Facebook,
quarter when prices generally dip, Allan says: “You can grab
MySpace, or YouTube yet, your employees surely
fire sales.”
have. These free social networking and videosharing web sites offer huge potential for FECs,
Coleman says. Missing out on them would be a huge mistake.
appears the way it should. With YouTube (www.youtube.
“I don’t know how you’re going to survive in the industry
com) in mind, Brown filmed this past New Year’s Eve party
if you’re not one to embrace technology,” she says.
for a future promotion. Later this year, people will be able to
Coleman has a “little army” of staffers maintaining the
click on a link and watch all the fun guests had. Videos like
facility’s Facebook (www.facebook.com) and MySpace
this take little time and effort, and facilities don’t have to
(www.myspace.com) pages. She gives them content to post
worry about fancy production. Just keep everything casual,
and periodically reviews the sites to make sure everything
Brown advises. FW
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FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 23
Moonbounce Adventures has collected
more than 5,000 subscribers to its
monthly e-mail newsletter.
FEC: MARKETING
You’ve Got Mail
Family entertainment centers shift
toward e-newsletters for marketing
by Mike Bederka
DIRECT MAIL, A SIGNATURE ADVERTISING TECHNIQUE FOR YEARS, soon may end up in the great recycling bin in the sky. More and more family entertainment
centers have scrapped or scaled back on snail mailers in favor
of e-marketing.
Newsletters zipped to people’s inboxes offer several advantages over their hard copy predecessors, explains Katie Bruno,
director of wddonline, a web site design and development
company in Wadsworth, Ohio. They drive traffic to the web
site, stimulate online sales, bring in a high return on investment, maintain consumer engagement, and effectively target
guests.
Building the Database
Elaborating on the last point, Bruno recommends FECs set up
a system where guests opt in to the newsletter. This strategy
helps to avoid issues with spam (unsolicited e-mail) and guarantees the customer actually wants to read the marketing
message.
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FEC Edition
Facilities have numerous ways to collect names and build
their databases. For example, Mountasia Fun Center, in
Santa Clarita, California, has a link on its web site, inviting
people to sign up.
Courtney Bourdas Henn, director of marketing, also
believes in a grassroots approach. She recently manned her
FEC’s booth at a Girl Scouts fair. With roughly 5,000 people
in attendance, she had ample opportunity to collect e-mail
addresses.
Always take advantage of multiple avenues to promote
the newsletter, agrees Garrick Weaver, partner with Moonbounce Adventures/Boomers Family Fun Center, which has
four Pennsylvania locations.
He created signage and posted a link on the web site, and
he requires his staff to be involved in the process. When parents sign in, employees urge them to join; they also hit the
play floor with sign-up slips.
Weaver trains his staff to politely ask for the information
and to detail the newsletter benefits—namely coupons. “If
they say they don’t want to, you don’t push them,” he says.
As an extra enticement for joining, guests qualify for
monthly raffles with the winners receiving free passes.
Since starting the newsletter in October 2007 (and really
making a push in 2008), the list has now ballooned to more
than 5,300 names, Weaver proudly notes.
How to Send
FECs can choose from several computer programs to send out
FEC: MARKETING
their newsletters. Bruno suggests ConE-newsletters: Five More Tips
stant Contact (www.constantcontact.
1. Use a reputable newsletter program. Some fly-by-night compacom) or iContact (www.icontact.com) as
nies won’t charge any money, says Garrick Weaver of Moonbounce
places
to
start
looking.
People
some
Adventures/Boomers
Family Fun Center, “but in parentheses, they
should expect to pay $20 to $50 per
say
we
can
take
your
e-mail
list and do anything we want with it.”
month.
For the money, the programs help
2. Proofread the content. A sloppy newsletter can reflect poorly on the
operators by telling them how many peoFEC, stresses Courtney Bourdas Henn, of Mountasia Fun Center.
ple receive and open the message, what
People should plan to spend a full day to start it up and one to two
links they click on, and by flagging words
hours per mailing, estimates Katie Bruno, of wddonline.
that might trigger spam filters.
3. Get updated information. People frequently change their e-mail
To bypass junk mail problems right
addresses. Make sure you have the newest one on file, Weaver says.
away, Bruno says avoid excessive photos,
logos, and exclamation points; and
4. Stick with it. Interest in the newsletter may be slow at first, Weaver
include ways to opt out or suggest valid
says, but people will eventually see the value.
postal addresses. Also, for aesthetic rea5. Don’t totally give up on direct mail. It can be used in conjunction
sons, skip all the different font sizes and
with electronic efforts for a full marketing campaign, Weaver says.
colors. “That makes the newsletter look
confusing and cheesy,” she says.
Another mistake is cramming in too
push “delete” without a second thought. Other big subject line
much text. “Short and sweet” works much better, Bruno says.
gaffes: using all capital letters and not including the facility
As an alternative to copy overload, provide multiple links
name.
to the facility’s web site, she says: “If they’re stimulated by
what they see, they should be able to respond immediately.”
For instance, go with “ABC Family Entertainment CenThe subject line also plays a big part in whether a person
ter Newsletter—October 2009,” not “HALLOWEEN SPECIALS!!!”
will fully engage the message, Bruno says. If customers feel
they’re being pounded with a sales pitch, they will probably
What to Offer
Newsletter administrators must choose their
content carefully, Bruno says. It must have value,
so don’t make it sound like a commercial or fill
the copy with minute details that customers won’t
care about.
As a general rule, people should be able to read
and digest the text in less than a minute, she says.
Weaver uses his newsletter to announce
changes in hours, new attractions, and special
coupons. He gives online subscribers a larger discount than what they see elsewhere for Moonbounce. “It drives up the interest,” Weaver
explains.
He sends out the newsletter twice a month and
may do an additional mailing for a special
announcement, like the recent launch of laser tag
at one of the locations.
Henn sticks to once or twice a month, usually
hitting “send” around a holiday, if possible. She
offers coupons and promotes featured events such
as a New Year’s Eve party.
Bruno suggests no more than twice a month
for most audiences. One relevant e-mail is better
than 50 mediocre ones, she contends. FW
FEC Edition
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RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
FEC: COMMUNITY
Ronald McDonald poses for a shot
at a Golf and Games fund-raiser.
Coming
Together
Community events open up family
entertainment centers to new
customers
by Mike Bederka
‘A’ for Effort
The Memphis community has kept Golf and
Games going strong for 45 years, Uphold says.
The FEC management uses donations and fundraisers as a way to thank residents for their
decades of support and loyalty. “I don’t think
I’ve turned down anyone since I’ve been here,”
26 FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S
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RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
BEFORE DAVE BURKHARDT EVEN OPENED THE
DOORS TO KID JUNCTION in the early days of 2007, he
already had donated 100 passes to a local school for a spelling
program. The promotion went over so well the owner of two
New Jersey family entertainment centers made community
outreach a major part of his business operation.
“It’s a relatively inexpensive, not time-consuming way to
branch out to new people,” Burkhardt says.
Philanthropy and marketing can mix quite
nicely, agrees Tom Uphold, director of marketing
at Golf and Games Family Park in Memphis,
Tennessee: “Most silent auction gifts we give are
birthday parties. That’s going to expose eight to
10 families that may not have been here before.”
he says proudly. He receives three or four requests a day. In
2008, Golf and Games donated $315,000 of services, including miniature golf, parties, and wristbands.
Uphold particularly enjoys participating in the partners in
education programs. With this, school administrators receive
500 free games of mini-golf, which they can distribute to their
students for good grades, conduct, and attendance. Again, it
potentially opens the facility to a new audience, and if Mom
and Dad want to play a round, they’ll have to pay. Plus, the
school handles most of the logistics.
Fund-raisers, though, will take up more time for the FEC
because of the additional manpower and resources required,
Uphold admits. His facility holds three major fund-raisers a
year. Mini-golf tournaments for the Boy Scouts, Ronald
McDonald House, and Les Passes (a children’s charity) draw
600 to 800 people total, with a percentage of sales going to
the organizations.
Like Uphold, Burkhardt stays busy with donations. He averages 50 requests a month and revels in the interest his facilities
generate. “I care about my name being out there,” Burkhardt
notes. Kid Junction has a varied roster of contributions, including free birthday parties to summer
reading programs, discounts to United Way supporters, and being a sponsor of a little league team,
which Burkhardt coaches. He also does a lot with
children with special needs. The facility will open
an hour early on select days to allow the kids to
have the place to themselves.
Other Tips
Golf and Games hosts
fund-raisers for Ronald
McDonald House.
FEC Edition
The positive vibes, along with the limited sacrifice,
should make donations a worthwhile venture for
any FEC. “It makes you feel better,” Burkhardt
says. “And what’s the cost to give away a birthday
FEC: COMMUNITY
party? Not much.”
Community Collation Turns
However, folks new to the game
Competitors into Allies
may trip up in the early going. Experts
Hotel concierges, sales managers, front desk staff, and bellhops can quickly
offer some pointers to help ensure
turn a random tourist into a paying customer with a few choice words about
charitable efforts run smoothly:
your
FEC. Therefore, wooing them becomes a must for referrals. But in enter䡲 Be selective. “Make your donatainment-rich
areas like Orlando, hospitality workers receive countless invites to
something
you’re
willing
to
tion
attend
parties
at local attractions.
give away,” Uphold urges. “Don’t
“How
do
you
compete among all those options?” asks Mark Brisson, direcgive away your high-ticket
tor
of
marketing
for Fun Spot Action Park. For him, the answer came as the
items.”
Orlando
Fun
Partners,
a collation Fun Spot joined in 2000. Brisson works with
䡲 Look for a good fit. Some
11
other
second-tier
attractions
in Central Florida to plan four large parties a
organizations that contact you
year
for
area
hospitality
employees.
may not be in line with your target
The events rotate among facilities, but at each party, all partners have a
audience, Burkhardt says. For
booth
where people can get to know the attractions’ offerings a little bit better.
instance, politely decline highOther
members
range from a mini-golf course to a nightclub to a dinner show.
school groups if you primarily
As
an
added
benefit,
members will refer guests to one another’s facility. So,
serve children age 8 and under.
for
example,
when
a
couple
asks a Fun Spot employee for a good place to go
䡲 Don’t slack. Keep on top of
out
dancing,
he
will
steer
them
toward an Orlando Fun Partner. Vice versa haprequests because they can stack up
pens,
if
the
clubbing
couple
wants
to ride some go-karts the next day.
quickly, Burkhardt says. “When
“It
turns
competitors
into
allies,”
Brisson says.
you OK one, you’re going to get hit
For
more
information,
visit www.orlandofunpartners.com.
with 25.”
䡲 Class it up. Uphold uses glossy
paper for the free mini-golf game
certificates. “We don’t mind if schools give them out,” he
stores and puts plugs in his e-newsletter.
says, “but we don’t want it photocopied over and over
䡲 Stay sharp. Having a strong reputation in the community
and over.”
will make you the go-to facility for donations. “Then part䡲 Advertise it. Don’t be bashful about the charity proner with someone to further that image,” Burkhardt
motions. To spike interest, Burkhardt posts signs in his
explains. “That would be my best piece of advice.” FW
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FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 27
CyberCity promotes games that involve
parents and kids together.
FEC: MARKETING
PHOTO COURTESY CYBERCITY
New Frontiers
FECs search outside their comfort
zone for new business
by Mike Bederka
different ways. Experts describe five possible audiences to
tap.
Unite the Family
Mark Jubb has noticed an odd trend popping up in the
industry—FECs forgetting what the “F” stands for in their
name. There should never be a situation where the kids run
off and play and the parents plop down on a bench bored to
tears, he says. At CyberCity Family Entertainment Center
in Eureka, California, where Jubb is the owner/operator, he
guards against this.
CyberCity features Wii gaming on big projection screens
and laser tag competitions to help “get the family together
again,” Jubb says. These friendly child-versus-parent clashes
FOR YEARS, ONE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER dominated the city. Long lines, however, lulled the
facility’s staff into a false sense of security. The premier
venue entered a dangerous comfort zone and, subsequently,
let the place go—stale games, paint peeling, the whole shebang.
Owners of an upstart FEC saw an
opportunity. With innovative ideas in
Additional Tips
tow, they broke ground just a few miles
Still stuck on how to increase attendance? Experts dish out some more
away from the tired staple. As a result,
advice:
customers drifted to the shiny new facil䡲 Don’t Give Up. “You have to be vigilant with marketing campaigns,”
ity, taking their wallets with them.
says Harry Haynes Jr., owner of Madd Fun LLC in New York City. A
This real-life anecdote teaches an
strong response to advertising probably won’t come right away. Wait
important lesson: FECs can never
at least a few months to see results.
remain stagnant, especially in a tight
䡲 Talk to Your Customers. See what groups they belong to, says
economy where guests value every
Robin Creswick of Rockin’ Robin’s Amazone Family Entertainment
penny.
Center in Medina, Ohio. With some quick conversations, guests could
To remain viable in uncertain times,
introduce you to new sports teams, clubs, or organizations.
management must keep a venue fresh,
䡲 Stay Focused. An FEC can cater to many different ages, says Mark
be it adding a hot ride or attraction or a
Jubb of CyberCity Family Entertainment Center in Eureka, California.
different menu item. Also, in that same
Each segment has unique tastes. “You can’t just blanket everyone
vein, facilities should look to new marand accomplish want you want to do. Figure out your money makers,
kets to boost their bottom lines—or at
find your audience, and target that specifically.”
least engage their existing customers in
28 FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S
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FEC: MARKETING
keep everyone happy—and
Did you just tap into
spending money. He costa new market?
effectively promotes his
Share your success
family-centric offerstories with
FUNWORLD magazine by e-mailing
ings
through
Contributing Editor Mike Bederka
e-newsletter blasts.
Have an
Idea?
Reach Out
at [email protected]. We’ll
post your suggestions on our
In the Queue blog at
www.IAAPA.org/blog.
This year families might
not take as many big trips as
they did in the past, says Robin
Creswick, owner of Rockin’ Robin’s Amazone
Family Entertainment Center in Medina, Ohio. Capitalizing on the “staycation” trend, she’s reaching out to people
beyond her normal geographic circle of guests. “We’re having booths at some shows in areas a little farther away,” she
explains. “We want to capture their business, especially
during the summertime.”
Team Building
Higher Learning
Being in a college town, Jubb thinks his FEC can do a lot
more to attract the older set. What that entails, however,
remains a bit sketchy. “It’s just a lot more challenging,” he
says. “They’re harder to please.” CyberCity has experimented with an ’80s night to offer something unique in the
area, but Jubb plans to study more options to attract this
fickle audience. FW
Learn more about F.I.R.S.T.
For details about the IAAPA-sponsored FEC insurance
program, visit www.amerspec.com, or call
+1 800/245-2744.
CYBERCITY
HeyDay Family Fun Center in Norman, Oklahoma, stays
busy Friday to Sunday. “Our dilemma is to drive traffic the
rest of the week,” says Brian Burks, entertainment and program manager.
Most companies still hold quarterly meetings or events to
get staff out of the office for the day, he reasons, so Burks
eyes corporate team building as another way to generate
revenue for his facility. His program starts with a 45-minute
PowerPoint presentation and motivational video. Then,
guests play five games of laser
tag where each session shows
the importance of teamwork
and the benefits of communicating and working as a
group. A lunch buffet can be
included in the package to up
the price and profits.
“Team building can pay
off big time,” Burks says.
“Our hope is they want to
come out again with their
family or plan a birthday
party here.”
them,” she says. For marketing, Creswick runs
commercials on Nick Jr., a favorite television
programming block for this demographic.
Every day during the week Amazone hosts
a special activity included with the paid
admission. For example, Monday is movie
day; Tuesday, a live animal show; Wednesday, story time and singing; and Thursday, arts
and crafts. Creswick also aims for the younger
audience by contacting area day care centers.
She promotes her FEC to them as the go-to
place for field trips.
Mom and Me
Like HeyDay, Amazone suffered from the dreaded
“weak-day”
business,
Creswick says. Her solution?
Targeting toddlers and stayat-home moms. “Some of my
competitors have ignored
CyberCity promotes family-centric
offerings through e-newsletter blasts.
FEC Edition
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FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 29
Cover Story
The Game C
by Mike Bederka
O
ften in the business world, people step up to the
proverbial cliff. They fearfully glance down at the
chasm, seeing the danger in a bold venture. But at the same
time, they understand the lucrative
possibilities that lie beyond.
Such a decision paralyzes many.
“Most people spend their entire lives
wondering if they should jump. That’s
not me,” says Theresa Iliff, owner and
CAMP ILIFF
TWISTS THE
TRADITIONAL
FEC MODEL
operator of Camp Iliff LLC, nestled in the tiny town of
Newton, New Jersey (population barely more than 8,000).
“When I come up with an idea, I don’t hold back.”
Without a parachute, she hurled herself into the family
entertainment center world. Along the way, she may have
redefined the traditional FEC model.
30 FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S
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PHOTOS BY AMY PATERSON
hanger
FEC Edition
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FUNW O R L D C O L L E C T I O N S 31
five miles from the stadium. During the building’s construction, another parent suggested Iliff include early childhood
care as well.
The idea made sense, Iliff reasoned: “We had to do everything in one space.”
At 11,998 square feet, the new-and-improved Camp Iliff
opened in 2001. The facility now offers early childhood care,
after-school camp, before-school care, drop-in care, summer
day camp, wrestling camp, karate camp, winter break camp,
and spring break camp. Birthday party guests and the general
public can use a roller rink, movie theater, inflatables, arcade
games, and snack bar.
Filling the Dead Time
“Just like you change your
arcade games out, you have to
change the style of business you
are providing.” —Theresa Iliff
Camp Iliff has a simple philosophy: The “weak-day” doesn’t
exist on its calendar. “It’s all about multiple revenue streams
per square foot,” explains Gregg Kubala, the facility’s general
manager.
FECs can’t remain busy just on the weekends, especially
in a bad economy, he says: “You have to use all the space in
your building at all times to really make money. That’s where
these child care programs come into play.”
In fact, in five to 10 years, Kubala anticipates a seismic
shift in the two compatible arenas. Standalone FECs and
child care centers will soon disappear; he sees a multipurpose
facility, like Camp Iliff, as the future. “These industries mesh
so well together,” he says. “The day care doesn’t touch an
FEC’s prime time, which is the weekends, and vice versa. We
fill each other’s down time.”
Iliff firmly believes in the long-term success of her model
and urges others to follow her lead before it’s too late. “The
business that does not change will go under,” she says. “Just
like you change your arcade games out; you have to change
the style of business you are providing.”
Steady Success
‘Something Great’
Camp Iliff had modest beginnings. At the turn of the millennium, Iliff was renting out a small portion of a minor league
baseball park in rural northern New Jersey for a summer
camp and wrestling camp. Families loved the experience for
their children, and one parent in particular asked if Iliff could
expand the program to after-school care in the fall. The mom
hated the fact that her son had to sit in a boring classroom
until he could be picked up at 6 p.m. She thought the camp
seemed like a much better alternative, and Iliff agreed. So did
scores of other parents.
The program jumped from just four kids in September
2000 all the way to 80 in December of that year, Iliff says.
Along with this influx, the camp began hosting birthday parties on the weekend—with similar success.
Iliff realized she had outgrown the small ballpark space.
She needed a new structure for her blossoming company, and
hesitating at the cliff’s edge was not an option. “I had to
build something great for these kids,” she recalls. With the
bank’s enthusiastic thumbs up, she received a loan for a site
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Her confident attitude comes from positive numbers as well
as tremendous feedback from customers. Camp Iliff hosts
almost 100 birthday parties a month, and her various child
care programs and camps generally run at capacity (and have
a waiting list). Her prices rival other traditional programs in
the area, she says: “To fill my building, we only need 50 early
childhood kids. That’s about $50,000 a month.”
Erica Casario of Hampton Township, New Jersey, is one
of Iliff’s satisfied clients. Casario’s children, Abigail, 6, and
Anthony, 4, have attended the camp for several years now.
While their parents head to work, the pair stays busy playing
on the inflatables and chasing each other around. “Each day
is filled with stories of what they did with their friends,”
Casario says. The mom also feels the senior staff gives her
kids the individual attention they need and prepares them for
kindergarten: “They learn ABCs, writing, reading, and some
math. I love to see what Abigail and Anthony accomplish
each day.”
The camp almost has two different staffs, Iliff notes. One
group handles the birthday parties and monitors the tradi-
Parents like
Camp Iliff
because it
allows their
children to be
active after
school.
tional FEC activities. The classroom staff is trained for child care,
but they also learn the FEC aspects.
“The key is cross-training,” says
Iliff. “When hired, they’re told
about the business we run. They
might be expected to take a child
to the potty or monitor the soft
play unit.”
Spreading the Word
With her facility’s success, Iliff
earned a strong reputation for her
business savvy. For years, operators
from around the U.S. have contacted her for advice and
other helpful tidbits. A
grateful Texas facility
owner once phoned to
thank Iliff: “I almost lost
my business,” the person
gushed. “Now, I’m making almost a million dollars a year. How come you
don’t charge for this kind
of help?”
That praise gave Iliff her next
idea. And, of course, she took the
plunge.
In 2006, she formally became a
part-time consultant to share her
model with others. Kubala came
aboard in March 2007 to help
expand the company. For a flat fee,
“we hold their hands through the
entire process,” he says. “We don’t
take any residuals on how many
kids they sign up. It’s not a franchise. Once the doors open, it’s
their baby to run with.”
The company’s services include
assistance in equipment purchases,
floor plans, how-to manuals, training, birthday parties, and marketing. “We tell you where every
pencil should go in the building,”
Iliff explains. The consultancy has
more than 40 clients on its roster in
varying stages of the process. Some
don’t even have a building yet;
some have just begun the child
care licensing process; others will
be cutting the ribbon shortly.
Nothing could make Iliff happier. “Do you know how fulfilling
my job is?” she asks. FW
CAMP ILIFF ISN’T THE ONLY FACILITY in the industry tweaking the
typical definition of family entertainment center.
For example, Bulldog Interactive Fitness, with locations across Canada, combines video games, exercise, and education on nutrition. The novel concept
surprised some people at first, admits Shannon Hanley-Lunn, owner of the Bulldog in Bridgewater, Nova
Scotia: “The understanding wasn’t there. That was a
bit of a problem.”
To bridge the gap, Hanley-Lunn, who bought the
franchise in 2007, smartly marketed the idea to doctors, hospitals, and school boards. They recognized
the area’s growing childhood obesity rate and embraced the unique
business model. Word spread from there.
“Our video games are hooked into game bikes,” she says. “They
have to pedal the bikes to make the cars move [on the screen]. They’re
not just sitting on their butts. They have to stay active to do it.”
Bulldog also features the popular “Dance Dance Revolution” (guaranteed to make any player break a sweat), a climbing wall, and a traditional exercise area. Employees with fitness experience work with
guests, primarily age 3 to teens, on the equipment to provide structure
and guidance.
Nutrition tips are part of the program, too, Hanley-Lunn says: “We
want to avoid people leaving here and going straight to McDonald’s.”
Her facility sells only healthy snacks and drinks, like fruit bars, cheese
and crackers, water, and sugar-free juices. For birthday parties, parents
have strict instructions to leave the calorie-laden soda, burgers, and
fries at home, she says.
Through this instruction, Bulldog’s staff develops a special relationship with their customers, Hanley-Lunn says, an opportunity FECs
might miss out on. “I know all the kids that come to my gym by name,”
she explains. “We have a personal attachment to them. They need to
feel important.”
Jump Street, with two Colorado sites, also strives to blend exercise
and fun, says Rex Ready, district manager for the company. He
believes the trend has just started to gain some serious air in the FEC
world. Jump Street has the standard inflatables, batting cages, and
arcade games, but trampolines are the centerpiece attraction at this
indoor park, he says: “You can literally bounce off the walls.”
Customers often find their way to the trampoline dodgeball arena,
he notes.The uplifting update on the gym class favorite appeals to children of all ages, and for the older kids, they host dodgeball leagues.
—Mike Bederka
FECs
Keep
Guests
on the
Go
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